Over the past ten years I have noticed that many kindreds, groups and organizations have very stringent requirements to join, or even be considered to join, their membership. Most require as long as a year before you can become integrated into the group and if they think you fit they may let you become a permanent member. That is if you are willing to take an oath to that body.
I pity those who did not measure up to the high standards of these human judges sitting in their high seats. Not so much because they did not fit but because they should not have tried in the first place. Our religion, and yes it is a religion, (not a reconstructionist tradition as one woman told me ), should not turn people away just because they are not perfect, and do not fit perfectly into their little group. I mean are you perfect ? I am sure that I am not ! But we are all what the Gods have made us and that should be good enough !
Most of these groups seem to base themselves more on friendships than on a mutual gathering of Asatru faithful who wish to join together to love and honor the Gods and Goddesses. This is another reason it is so hard to break into these groups. Few things are harder in life than making new friends !
But to me if you are Asatru you are already my friend ! One of my favorite sayings from Havamal is :
Those already arrived are often unable to tell a newcomer's kin;
You will never find a man without a fault
or one so evil
he has no use at all.
I believe that all people in our religion have worth and should be included as long as they love and honor our Gods and Goddesses. To exclude people arbitrarily to me is wrong. We should be, and must be, a religion of inclusion. We must stop turning our backs on the faithful and reach out to them, help guide them, and respect them. Give gift for gift.
And for those who were shunned it is probably better that you did not make it into their perfect little society. You don't need others to love and honor our Gods and Goddesses, all you need to do is open your heart !
Glenn Bergen
Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love and Thor's protection !
I pity those who did not measure up to the high standards of these human judges sitting in their high seats. Not so much because they did not fit but because they should not have tried in the first place. Our religion, and yes it is a religion, (not a reconstructionist tradition as one woman told me ), should not turn people away just because they are not perfect, and do not fit perfectly into their little group. I mean are you perfect ? I am sure that I am not ! But we are all what the Gods have made us and that should be good enough !
Most of these groups seem to base themselves more on friendships than on a mutual gathering of Asatru faithful who wish to join together to love and honor the Gods and Goddesses. This is another reason it is so hard to break into these groups. Few things are harder in life than making new friends !
But to me if you are Asatru you are already my friend ! One of my favorite sayings from Havamal is :
Those already arrived are often unable to tell a newcomer's kin;
You will never find a man without a fault
or one so evil
he has no use at all.
I believe that all people in our religion have worth and should be included as long as they love and honor our Gods and Goddesses. To exclude people arbitrarily to me is wrong. We should be, and must be, a religion of inclusion. We must stop turning our backs on the faithful and reach out to them, help guide them, and respect them. Give gift for gift.
And for those who were shunned it is probably better that you did not make it into their perfect little society. You don't need others to love and honor our Gods and Goddesses, all you need to do is open your heart !
Glenn Bergen
Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love and Thor's protection !
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